Into The Woods: From Brooklyn to Boondocks

Leave it up to a Broke Diva to manifest dreams. After loosing my last brain cell stressing out because we lived over a bunch of dead-beats AND we have 4 children that stomp, run and jump - we moved out of Hollywood. It became apparent to me that the maximum amount of kids in a multiple child household in LA is, 2. We have 4. So for months I was in a state of stress because all I wanted to do was find a way to get these babies a back yard. I was desperate, I even looked at places that had only a porch and thought - "well, they can scoot up and down the driveway..."




And then, I saw the ad - on craigslist.com. Perfect for a family that works from home, a 3 bed/2bath house on 11 acres. An old Arabian horse facility...horses? Well the husband will go crazy for this. Little did I know he had already seen this ad and pined over it for months but thought it was too far. Well it was too far for my taste. I was looking in West Hollywood, Silver Lake and Eagle Rock. I did not want to commute too far and I did not know that the LA area was so spread out and the prices were starting to get beyond the 2grand mark. I wanted to be out by May and it was getting close so why not take a look at the place in the middle of no where? We made arrangements with the 70 year old owner and headed out. I thought it was going to be a journey so I packed EVERY single snack we had and headed to the 99cent store for more! Map-quest said it was over an hour ride from Hollywood/Highland. I really did not want to commute for more than an hour for meetings but...



On the way up this San Francisquito Canyon Road (a mouthful - say it 3 times fast...) in the town of Santa Clarita - it was the most breath taking scene I have ever witnessed. We were driving through Angeles National Forest - a canyon forest! On this snake road carved out from way back when, the view of the rolling hills and mountains did me in. The kids were oohing and ahhing in the back of our mini van rental and they were excited to know exactly where we were going. We passed farms and equestrian trails and boarding facilities and beautiful homes I couldn't wait to see where our destination was. We finally found it and drove up the pine tree-lined road that lead to the house - it was a gorgeous site. The caretaker walked us around the property and explained the 11 acre spread. I dashed into the house and inspected the rooms and the gigantic fireplace, skylights and central air/heat. We went down to the running stream that supplied the property with water. No water bill - ever! AND we got up there in 45 minutes from the crazies on Hollywood Blvd. I thought - I'm gonna miss Spider-man and his eerily stained costume. The kids were running around the place and the husband said that Song Bird had a look that she knew she was home. At only $40 more than what we were paying for that 2 bedroom on "Tran-nie strip" - I'll take it!



We moved in 2 weeks later and it has been lovely ever since. We had to move out of the city in order to give a better life for the kids to enjoy. HOWEVER, if we were wealthy I would have had no problem with that $3.5million place in Malibu with plenty of room for horses and ATV's! Now that place was spectacular and overlooked PCH and the ocean...one day, one day. Now whenever we want to get a piece of LA we can get there in 45min and if we want to go further, no problem. I did find my old friends - the trusted 99cent store, Target, Trader Joes, Ross - all my old buddies are about 20 minutes from the house. I have been practicing my driving skillz as well so that is great to finally do at 32 years old (Damn you NYC and your hop-in-a-cab-and-go way of life)!



So that is how this Broke Diva escaped high rent and stopped being stressed out about not being able to get the kids out more often. Now they are out EVERYDAY and if they get on our nerves - we kick them out AND they can stomp, run and jump till they drop. I cannot tell you about the views here. They are gorgeous. Imagine waking up every morning to tons of pine and oak trees, the sounds of horses - wait, did I say horses? Well, this is a horse community and all of our neighbors have horses, goats, llamas and there is even an ostrich is across the street. When I sit at the kitchen table I see mountains and green trees everywhere. We have a raised deck and that is awesome to sit out and see the grounds with a cup of coffee or tea as you plan out the creative process of the day. There is got to be something fabulous about seeing REAL stars light up the night sky. I am inspired every here and that is the best for us. We can work and not be stressed out for the kids. I think I finally found the fabulous-ness I was searching for.



Now, let me tell you that I do have a husband that has over 15 years in his career in the animal care industry. When we lived in San Diego he was a full-time foal sitter taking care of horses and their foals at birth. He also has a dream of creating and owning an equestrian training facility and stable. Well, he too is a Broke Diva like me. Not long after we moved in, he adopted a Thoroughbred race horse named Western Starlite. She is beautiful. I always wanted a horse. Never had I imagined that I'd actually own one and to have my children experience it as well. Talk about being able to do for your kids what you never had...this horse is the most gentle beast. My husband's philosophy is to not cage the animal or keep it in stalls so that he can create the most natural experience for the horse. If you know anything about the race horse sport, there are concerns about the animals not being able to LIVE like a horse and may be the reason why so many popular race horses are not at their very best. Soooooo Western Starlite is free to roam the 11 acres as well as occasionally walking up the back patio to the back windows of the bedrooms to say - "Hay", I get a kick out of that. She comes up to the BBQ pit - which I help build - and hangs out with us. The husband "lunges" her and I have seen her run, she is super fast and loves the freedom. His goal is to breed her and produce the next Triple Crown Winner. Pretty ambitious, there has not been one since 1935 sometime. The cost to feed a horse is about $100 a month and that includes her beauty/cosmetic needs. To off-set some of the expense, homeboy is getting a weekend job! And I am starting to use the shampoo we bought her (NOT Mane n' Tale!) and the hoof shine/protector for my nails. I will let you know the results and put you on if it works out.



All in all some part of a dream has been manifested in moving here. The inspiration is endless and I am more than happy here. OK - I did spot a deer, some kind of prairie rodent and even a bobcat...but for some reason, I am not afraid of nature. My husband has also found that his dream manifest is happening as well. He has met so many great people in the industry already that respect what he is trying to do and are being very helpful in getting him started - for free. The magic word. Little Paw is enrolled in a charter home-school program with free tuition and books. So it all seems to be working out so far, even with the rough patches that we got over. The Artful Dodger stint is over (that's another story) and I am starting the kids line (read the next blog: http://littlesleotechnbird.blogspot.com).



The Broke Diva has a horse and lives in the Boondocks. I wonder how long will it take to ride out to Brooklyn? And oh yes, I am expecting a pair of kick-ass green cowboy boots to come from Brazil to inauguration this venture officially, cause I have to look fly even if I am all the way out here in the mountains.
Best!!!

Tanita